Approach Considerations

A patient with undifferentiated connective-tissue disease (UCTD) can be evaluated and treated primarily as an outpatient. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarials (eg, hydroxychloroquine), and corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy. Immunosuppressive drugs are generally reserved for treating specific clinical manifestations and when there is major organ involvement.

Surgery for patients with UCTD is not routinely necessary and should be initiated only when indicated for diagnosis or treatment.

1. Signs and symptoms suggestive of a CTD but not fulfilling the diagnostic or classification criteria for any of the defined CTDs (using previously established classification criteria for SLE, MCTD, SSc, PM/DM, RA and SS) for at least 3 years. If the disease duration is less than 3 years, patients may be defined as having an early UCTD.

Herbert S Diamond, MD Visiting Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center; Chairman Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Western Pennsylvania Hospital